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Figure 1.5 – First mobile drilling unit
Despite the difficulties, Kerr-McGee Corporation drilled the first well from a
fixed platform offshore out-of-sight of land in 1947 (fig. 1.6). Its barge and
platform combination was a major breakthrough in drilling-unit design for offshore
use. This event marked the beginning of the modern offshore industry as it is
known today. It was18 miles off the Louisiana coast in 18 feet of water. The field
produced oil until 1984.
Figure 1.6 – First “beyond the horizon” oil rig
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